Enclosure system for scaffolding

ABSTRACT

An enclosure system for scaffolding frame that includes a plurality of stackable section members each having a first end and a second end and at least one slot. The stackable section members may be stacked one on top of each other so that the slot of each stackable section member is aligned with one another to form a continuous slot. The stacking of the stackable section members one on top of each other defines a continuous profile. Mounting members may secure each of the stackable section members to the scaffolding frame. An enclosing means is adapted to engage the slot and the continuous slot when the stackable section members are stacked one on top of each other to enclose the scaffolding frame.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to scaffolding systems and moreparticularly to an enclosure system that protects workmen from severeweather conditions, allows construction work to be done all year roundand is easily installed to an existing scaffolding that is erected nextto a building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Construction work on various structures such as a building has beentraditionally accomplished using a scaffold that is erected adjacent thewall of the building to provide access to the structure while it isunder construction. Sheltering workers from inclement weather hasusually been accomplished by attaching sheets of plastic or tarps thatare attached to the frame of the scaffold by various means. Typicallyrope or wire is thread through the tarp and attached to the frame of thescaffold.

The disadvantage of this type of arrangement is that the tarp becomesdifficult to handle especially at great heights. Furthermore once thetarp is attached to the frame of the scaffold, any significant wind cancatch in the tarp and cause the tarp to act like as a sail and thereforecreate pressure on the footings of the scaffold.

Prior art scaffolding enclosures have been devised to address the notedproblems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,770 issued on Apr. 25, 1995to Suzuki relates to a sheet stretcher which comprises a base, which hasa hole for slidably receiving an expanded portion formed at an edge of asheet, a slit communicating with the hole and through which the endportion of the sheet continuous to its expanded portion is insertable, ahole for slidably receiving a further expanded portion formed at an edgeof a further sheet, a slit communicating with the hole through which theend portion of the further sheet continuous to the further expandedportion is insertable.

Specifically, Patent '770 discloses a variety of sheet stretchers thatmay be assembled to connect a number of sheets to a scaffold frame. Onetype of stretcher connects sheets to sheets, while a second type ofstretcher connects the sheet to an adjustment mechanism. Ropes or wiresare used to attach the stretcher to the scaffolding frame.

Virtanen is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,715 which issued on Dec. 7,1976 relates to a scaffolding a plurality of sheets of plastic havingbead portions, profiles surrounding the bead portions of each twoabutting sheet edges thereby securing the sheets to each other. Aplurality of attachment members partly surrounds the profiles and holdsthe profiles in related assembly with the scaffolding.

Jankowski is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,889 which issued on Aug.13, 1991 and relates to a scaffold enclosure having a plurality ofpanels. Each panel has a closure on a first lateral edge for securingthat edge to an upright on the scaffolding. The closure can be strapshaving first and second flaps with hook and loop closures thereon forsecuring the straps to various sized uprights. Each panel also hasfasteners, preferably continuous strips of hook and loop closures, onboth its inner and outer surfaces at each edge. The panels are thusengageable on one another to form a scaffold enclosure with completelysealed seams. To facilitate installment, two types of panels, starterpanels and continuing panels, are utilized, each having a particulararrangement of fasteners.

King is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,915 which issued on Nov. 8,1988 and relates to an apparatus for suspending cladding or protectivesheeting from scaffolding includes a first member detachably securableto an element of scaffolding, and a second member capable of attachmentto said sheeting or cladding. The second member is adapted to hang fromsaid first, thereby to hang the cladding or sheeting from scaffolding.

Nealeigh is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,999 which issued on Jul.14, 1998 and relates to a series of horizontally spaced tubular metalframes each include a pair of vertical short and long leg membersrigidly connected by an inclined support member having a projectingupper end portion. The leg members are removably connected to the topends of vertically aligned legs of a tubular metal scaffold assemblypositioned adjacent a building. The inclined support members receiveconnector members connected to the building roof or ridge membersconnected by horizontal support members and supported by vertical postsresting on the roof or floor. A flexible light transmitting plastic filmis supported by the inclined support members and ridge connector membersto enclose the frames and scaffold assembly, and the film has an edgeportion clamped to the roof or floor.

Furthermore there are other enclosure systems that focus on constructinga whole building. For instance the “We Cover Building Systems”, Elmira,Ontario, Canada uses a polyoefin fabric for minimal heat transfer, anduses a flat sectional fabric fastening system that eliminated wrinkles,flapping, and chafing.

Although some of the prior art addresses some of the problems outlinedabove, they do not disclose an easy to install enclosure system that canbe assembled with minimum labour, and can be used all year round andadapted to various weather conditions. Thus an enclosure system forscaffolding which may be easily attached to a scaffold frame, can beused with any height of structure, keeps inclement weather out, is easyto install is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide animproved an enclosure system that protects workmen from severe weatherconditions, allows construction work to be done all year round and iseasily installed to an existing scaffolding that is erected next to abuilding.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is providedan enclosure system for scaffolding frame that includes a plurality ofstackable section members each having a first end and a second end andat least one slot. The stackable section members may be stacked one ontop of each other so that the slot of each stackable section member isaligned with one another to form a continuous slot.

Conveniently, the stacking of the stackable section members one on topof each other defines a continuous profile. The continuous profile mayfurther include a series of recesses at the first and second ends thatcan receive a connecting member so as to connect the stackable sectionmembers. Mounting members may secure each of the stackable sectionmembers to the scaffolding frame.

Preferably, an enclosing means is adapted to engage the slot and thecontinuous slot when the stackable section members are stacked one ontop of each other to enclose the scaffolding frame.

Finally a method of erecting an enclosure system for scaffolding frameis also disclosed.

Advantages of the present invention are: easy to install to existingscaffold frames, provides a seal to keep inclement weather out of workarea, adapted to accept a variety of tarps, such as reflective orinsulated, made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or aluminum, workspacecan be heated via connected members, tarp is elasticized, tarps can belinked together horizontally so that the enclosure system can be easilyinstalled, quick connect attachment for securing enclosure system tostructure, and can be adapted to fit around obstacles with a telescopingfunction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) is(are) providedherein below by way of example only and with reference to the followingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 in a top plan view, illustrates the stackable section member andthe mounting member mounted to a scaffolding frame in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 in a top plan view illustrates the stackable section member andthe mounting member.

FIG. 3 a in a back perspective view, illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the stackable section member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 b in a top plan view, illustrates an alternative embodiment ofthe stackable section member and mounting member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 c in a perspective view, illustrates the mounting member of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 a in a side perspective view, illustrates the stackable sectionmember and the mounting member of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 5 in a back perspective view, illustrates an alternative embodimentof the stackable section member of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 6 a in a back perspective view, illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the stackable section member of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 6 b in a top plan view, illustrates an alternative embodiment ofthe stackable section member and mounting member of FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 6 c in a perspective view, illustrates the mounting member of FIG.6 a.

FIG. 7 in a top plan view, illustrates the enclosure system in atelescoping position.

FIG. 8 in a top plan view, illustrates the continuous profile mounted tothe scaffold frame.

FIG. 9 in a front elevational view, illustrates the connecting member.

FIG. 10 in a perspective view, illustrates the enclosing means insertedinto the stackable section members.

FIG. 11 in a top plan view, illustrates the enclosure system mounted tothe scaffold frame.

FIG. 12 a in a top plan view, illustrates the insulated enclosing meansinserted into the stackable section members.

FIG. 12 b in a perspective view, illustrates the insulated enclosingmeans inserted into the stackable section members of FIG. 12 a.

FIG. 13 a in a top plan view, illustrates the transparent enclosingmeans inserted into the stackable section members.

FIG. 13 b in a perspective view, illustrates the transparent enclosingmeans inserted into the stackable section members of FIG. 13 a.

FIG. 14 in a side elevational view, illustrates the linking member.

FIG. 15 in a front view, illustrates the linking of two adjacentadjustable tarps.

FIG. 16 in a perspective view, illustrates the linking of two adjacentadjustable tarps.

FIG. 17 in a top plan view, illustrates the linking of two adjacentadjustable tarps.

FIG. 18 in a front elevational view, illustrates the assembled enclosuresystem.

FIG. 19 in an end view, illustrates a variation of the mounting member.

FIG. 20 in a bottom plan view, illustrates a variation of the mountingmember in operation.

FIG. 21 in a perspective view, illustrates a variation of the mountingmember.

FIG. 22 in an end view, illustrates a variation of the mounting memberin operation.

FIG. 23 in a perspective view, illustrates the bracket of the mountingmember.

FIG. 24 in an end view, illustrates a variation of the mounting memberin operation.

In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustratedby way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the descriptionand drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid tounderstanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated in top plan views, anenclosure system 10 for scaffolding frame 12 in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 3-6the enclosure system 10 for scaffolding frame 12 includes a plurality ofstackable section members 14 each having a first end 16 and a second end18, and at least one slot 20. The stackable section members 14 may bestacked one on top of each other so that the slot 20 of each stackablesection member 14 is aligned with one another to form a continuous slot22.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 9 the stacking of the stackable sectionmembers 14 one on top of each other defines a continuous profile 28 witha top side 30, a bottom side 32, two sides 34 and 36, as well as acentral pocket 52 running the length of the continuous profile 28. Eachside 34 and 36 has one of the slots 20. The slot 20 may be furtherdefined as a C-shaped channel 38, which runs along each of the sides 34and 36. The C-shaped channels 38 engages or retains an enclosing means26.

Referring to FIG. 7 the bottom side 32 may further include a telescopingportion 78 that can adjust the distance between the stackable sectionmembers 14 and the scaffold frame 12. The ability to telescope thestackable section member 14 or the continuous profile 28 (once thestackable section members 14 are stacked) allows the installation to theenclosure system to go around any obstacles. The stackable sectionmembers 14 may be made from a variety of materials such as PVC andaluminum thereby allowing the enclosure system 10 to be mounted aroundcorners and easily attached to structures at various angles.

The continuous profile 28 may further include a series of recesses 40 atthe first and second ends (16 and 18 respectively) that can receive aconnecting member 42. Each recess 40 may have an edge 50. The connectingmember 42 allows for the connecting of either the first end 16 or thesecond end 18 of the stackable section members 14 to one another.Specifically the connecting member 42 may be a pin 44 having a raisedcenter portion 46. Either end 48 and 49 of the pin 44 may be insertedinto a recess 40 located on either the second end 18 of a firststackable section member 14. The recess 40 may receive the end 48 of thepin 44 until the raised center portion 46 of the pin 44 contacts theedge 50 of the recess 40. Therefore the other end 49 of the pin 44 isexposed, which allows a second stackable section member 14 to be alignedand stacked on top of the first stackable member 14, by inserting theother end 48 of the pin 44 into the recess 40 at the first end 16 of thesecond stackable section member 14. Subsequent stackable section members14 can be likewise added so as to create the continuous profile 28.

Mounting members 24 may secure each of the stackable section members 14to the scaffolding frame 12. The mounting members 24 can be mounted atvarious points along the scaffold frame 12 depending on the desire ofthe installer. The mounting member 24 may be better defined as a bracket52 that is adapted or shaped to receive the scaffolding frame 12. FIGS.19 and 20 illustrate alternatives to the mounting member 24. Morespecifically FIGS. 19- 22 illustrate a hinged bracket 110 adapted toreceive a thumb screw 112 that locks the hinged bracket 110 on thescaffolding frame 12. The hinged bracket 110 may have hooked ends 120that can hook or latch onto the stackable section member 14. FIGS. 23-24illustrate two brackets 114 having each having a threaded recess 116 atone end 122 that receives a fastening means 118 for securing thebrackets 114 to the scaffolding frame 12. Each bracket 114 may have ahooked end 124 that can latch on to the stackable section member 14.

Referring to FIG. 3 c and 6 c the bracket 52 may also be notched 58 toeasily receive a fastening means 54 for securing the bracket 52 to thestackable section members 14. The fastening means 54 may be a bolt andscrew arrangement 56 by way of example though other fasteningcombinations are possible.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an enclosing means 26 is adapted to engagethe slot 20 and the continuous slot 22 when the stackable sectionmembers 14 are stacked one on top of each other to enclose thescaffolding frame 12. The enclosing means 26 may be an adjustable tarp60 having two side edges 62 and 64 respectively. The side edges 62 and64 of the adjustable tarp 60 are adapted to engage each of the C-shapedchannels 38. The side edges 62 and 64 of the adjustable tarp 60 mayfurther include a guide member 66 attached to each of the side edges 62and 64. The guide member 66 may be inserted into each of the C-shapedchannels 38 on each of the sides 34 and 36 of the continuous profile 28.The guide member 66 and the side edges 62 and 64 of the adjustable tarp60 are then pulled along the C-shaped channels 38 and therefore alongthe continuous profile 28. The guide member may be rope or wire 68 thatis positioned at the side edges 62 and 64 of the adjustable tarp 60. Theside edges 62 and 64 are wrapped around the rope or wire 68 and the sideedges 62 and 64 are then heat-sealed to secure the rope or wire 68 tothe side edges 62 and 64 of the adjustable tarp 60.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 the adjustable tarp 60 may have elastisedportions 70 towards the side edges 62 and 64 to allow the adjustabletarp 60 to flex and contract when it is installed and in operation. Theadjustable tarp 60 may be made from insulated material, reflectivematerial, transparent material or camouflage material by way of example.

Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 the adjustable tarp 60 may furtherbe defined as having a top edge 72 and a bottom edge74. The top edge 72and the bottom edge 74 each may have a linking member 76 so that thelinking member 76 on the top edge 72 of the adjustable tarp 60 canconnect to a linking member 76 on the bottom edge 74 of an adjacentadjustable tarp 60. The linking member 76 may be clasp mechanism 90 thatlinks to adjacent adjustable tarps 60 together thereby ensuring thatthere is very little open space between the adjustable tarps 60 thatcould allow air in. Furthermore attachment loops 100 may also be locatedon the clasp mechanism 90 to ties down the sides 62 and 64 of theadjustable tarps 60 to provide further stability.

This arrangement in combination with elastised portions 70 and theconfiguration of the enclosing means in relation to the stackablesection members 14 results in an efficient seal for the enclosure system10. As a result there is less chance of the wind catching the tarp andcausing it to form a sail and therefore destabilize the scaffoldingframe 12. Furthermore the enclosure system 10 may be erected all yearround since appropriate type of tarp material can be used depending theweather requirement, which results in year use of the enclosure system10 and therefore year round construction. For example the insulated tarpmay be used in winter to retain the heat between the building and theenclosure system 10. Furthermore the central pocket 52 that may run thelength of the continuous profile 28 may act as a passage way for heatthat is blown up from the base of the scaffolding frame 12 or a heatedelement may be threaded down the passageway by way of example.

Referring to FIG. 18, a method of erecting an enclosure system 10 forscaffolding frame 12 is also disclosed. The erecting of the enclosuresystem 10 includes the following steps: stacking the stackable sectionmembers 14 one on top of each other to form the first continuous profile28 and so that each slot 20 on either side 34 and 36 of each stackablesection member 14 is aligned when the first continuous profile 82 ismounted to the scaffold frame 12 thereby forming the continuous slot 22on each of the two sides 34 and 36; securing the first continuousprofile 28 to a first vertical member 80 of the scaffold frame 12 by themounting members 24; stacking the stackable section members 14 one ontop of each other to form the second continuous profile (not shown) andso that each slot 20 on either side 34 and 36 of each stackable sectionmember 14 is aligned when the first continuous profile 28 is mounted tothe scaffold frame 12 thereby forming the continuous slot 22 on each ofthe two sides 34 and 36; securing a second continuous profile to asecond vertical member (not shown) of the scaffold frame 12 by themounting members 24; inserting the enclosing means 26 into thecontinuous slot 22 of the first continuous profile 82; inserting theenclosing means 26 into the continuous slot 22 of the second continuousprofile; pulling the enclosing means 26 along the continuous slots 22 toa desired distance along the first and second continuous profiles toenclose the scaffolding frame 12.

The method can be further defined as including the step of inserting aan end 48 of the connecting member 42 into a recess 40 of a second end18 of a stackable section member 14 and inserting the other end 49 intoa recess 40 of a second stackable section member 14. By repeating theprocess over and over the continuous profile 28 may be erected. Themethod can also include the step of connecting the linking member 76 onthe top edge 72 of the enclosing means 26 to a linking member 76 on abottom edge 74 of an adjacent enclosing means 26.

The insertion of the enclosing means 26 or adjustable tarp 60 into theC-shaped channels 38 can be accomplished a number of different ways. Aseries of adjustable tarps 60 that are pre-linked may be located on anearby rack to allow easy access by the installer, so that uponinstallation, the first adjustable tarp 60 inserted into the C-shapedchannels 38 and the remaining adjustable tarps 60 subsequently role offthe rack as the enclosure system is erected 10. The guide member 66 orrope 68 on each side 62 and 64 of the enclosing means 26 may also beattached to a mechanical winch or similar device to help pull theadjustable tarp 60 up the structure.

Other variations and modifications of the invention are possible. Allsuch modifications or variations are believed to be within the sphereand scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

1. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame, comprising: (a) aplurality of stackable section members each having a first end and asecond end, and at least one slot, whereby said stackable sectionmembers are stacked one on top of each other so that each of said slotof each stackable section member is aligned with one another to form acontinuous slot; (b) mounting members for securing each of saidstackable section members to said scaffolding frame, and; (c) anenclosing means adapted to engage said slot and said continuous slotwhen said stackable section members are stacked one on top of each otherto enclose said scaffolding frame.
 2. An enclosure system forscaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality ofstackable section members are further defined as a profile with a topside, a bottom side, and two sides wherein each side has one of saidslots further defined as a C-shaped channel along each of said sidesthat engages said enclosing means.
 3. An enclosure system forscaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a connectingmember for connecting either said first end or said second end of saidstackable section members to one another.
 4. An enclosure system forscaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said profile furthercomprises a series of recesses at said first and second ends thatreceive said connecting member.
 5. An enclosure system for scaffoldingframe as claimed in claim 1, wherein said profile further comprises acentral pocket running the length of each of said profile.
 6. Anenclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid mounting member is a bracket adapted to receive said scaffoldingframe.
 7. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim1, wherein said bracket is notched to receive a fastening means forsecuring said bracket to said stackable section members.
 8. An enclosuresystem for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidenclosing means is an adjustable tarp having two side edges that areadapted, down the length of each of said side edges, to engage each ofsaid C-shaped channels.
 9. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said side edges of said tarp furthercomprise a guide member attached to each of said side edges, wherebysaid guide member is inserted into each of said C-shaped channels oneach of said sides of said stackable section members and said side edgesof said tarp are guided up said C-shaped channels.
 10. An enclosuresystem for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said guidemember may be rope or wire.
 11. An enclosure system for scaffoldingframe as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustable tarp has elastisedportions.
 12. An enclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said adjustable tarp made from insulated material,reflective material, transparent material or camouflage material.
 13. Anenclosure system for scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, whereinadjustable tarp further comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, said topand bottom edges each has a linking member, wherein said linking memberon said top edge of said tarp can connect to a linking member on abottom edge of an adjacent adjustable tarp.
 14. An enclosure system forscaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bottom sidefurther comprises a telescoping portion to adjust the distance betweensaid stackable section members and said scaffold frame.
 15. An enclosuresystem for scaffolding frame, comprising: (a) a plurality of stackablesection members each having a first end, a second end, a top side, abottom side, and two sides, each side having a slot whereby saidstackable section members are stacked one on top of each other to form afirst continuous profile, whereby each slot on either side of eachstackable section member is aligned when said first continuous profileis mounted to said scaffold frame thereby forming a continuous slot oneach of said two sides; (b) mounting members for securing each of saidstackable section members to said scaffolding frame, and; (c) anenclosing means adapted to engage each continuous slot; wherein saidfirst continuous profile is secured to a first vertical member of saidscaffold frame and a second continuous profile is secured to a secondvertical member of said scaffold frame, and said enclosing means engageseach of said continuous slots on said first continuous profile and saidsecond continuous profile.
 16. An enclosure system for scaffolding frameas claimed in claim 1, wherein said enclosing means is further comprisesa top edge and a bottom edge, said top and bottom edges each has alinking member, wherein said linking member on said top edge of saidenclosing means can connect to a linking member on a bottom edge of anadjacent enclosing means.
 17. An enclosure system for scaffolding frameas claimed in claim 1, wherein said enclosing means is an adjustabletarp having two side edges that are adapted, down the length of each ofsaid side edges, to engage each of said slots.
 18. An enclosure systemfor scaffolding frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustabletarp has elastised portions and made from insulated material, reflectivematerial, transparent material or camouflage material.
 19. A method oferecting an enclosure system for scaffolding frame, said enclosuresystem having a plurality of stackable section members each having afirst end, a second end, a top side, a bottom side, and two sides, eachside having a slot, mounting members for securing each of said stackablesection members to said scaffolding frame, and an enclosing meansadapted to engage said slot, said method comprising the following steps:(a) stacking said stackable section members one on top of each other toform a first continuous profile, whereby each slot on either side ofeach stackable section member is aligned when said first continuousprofile is mounted to said scaffold frame thereby forming a continuousslot on each of said two sides; (b) securing said first continuousprofile to a first vertical member of said scaffold frame by saidmounting member; (c) securing a second continuous profile to a secondvertical member of said scaffold frame by said mounting member; (d)inserting said enclosing means into said continuous slot of said firstcontinuous profile; (e) inserting said enclosing means into saidcontinuous slot of said second continuous profile; (f) pulling saidenclosing means along said continuous slots to a desired distance alongsaid first and, second continuous profiles to enclose said scaffoldingframe.
 20. A method of erecting an enclosure system for scaffoldingframe as claimed in claim 19, said enclosing means further comprises atop edge and a bottom edge, said top and bottom edges each has a linkingmember, said method further comprising the step of connecting saidlinking member on said top edge of said enclosing means to a linkingmember on a bottom edge of an adjacent enclosing means.